What Our Members Say!

“A particular strength of the Harris offer is that training [NPQH] is led by current leaders, presenting lots of opportunities to pick the brains of people who are actually doing the job. The chance to step out of my everyday setting to think and listen is very useful and every single session has presented me with initiatives to try back at my school. I keep in close contact with a number of the leaders, who are generous with their time and resources.”

John Budden, Headteacher at Clare House Primary School (NPQH)

This course helped me to further develop my leadership skills, particularly in my ability to listen effectively to staff. The practical tools we learned are easy to put into practice without needing too much preparation or revising. I have taken some key approaches with me that I have already begun using to help people, both in and out of school, reflect on their own problems and take ownership for their solutions. The course was delivered brilliantly and I thoroughly look forward to formalising the impact it will have in my school. In an increasingly high pressured job, I would recommend all leaders to have some experience of formal coaching training as it provides specific usable tools that many leaders may not be aware of yet. It is not just about ‘asking questions’ as many people’s preconceptions imply.

Alex Thrall, The Anatomy: Foundational Coaching Course participant

Practical, valuable and pertinent to today's leaders.

NPQH Participant 2015

“I began the NPQSL in September 2013 hoping to get a clearer picture of what topics and areas I needed to focus on to be a rounded senior leader. During my time on the programme, I was promoted internally from Head of Science to Assistant Principal. I have no doubt that what I have learnt on the course helped me to show at interview that I was ready for senior leadership. Other programmes seemed to be more theory-based than practical, which is why I chose the Harris Teaching School.”

Naveen Ahmed, Assistant Headteacher, Little Ilford School (NPQSL)

“My attendance at monthly training days with other NQTs has also been invaluable. I have improved and advanced my teaching practices and through various training have been encouraged to try new and enhanced techniques. The Harris NQT support programme has proved a major factor in helping to develop my professional skills and good practice across most aspects of teacher development. Thank you to everybody who has helped, I look forward to the challenges and new learning ahead”

NQT trainee

"Training in schools with professionals who are putting the latest theory into practice is invaluable. I'm able to simultaneously study the theory, put it into practice and commit to academic research that is crucial to my development as teacher. I can teach from day one, which means I form a good relationship with my classes, and can really get to know the students and their personalities".

School Direct Trainee

"It was great to have the tour of the primary school, the children were super!"

NPQML Candidate, April 2014

"Very enjoyable day, with a welcoming and open atmosphere."

NPQML Candidate, March 2014

"All of the sessions were excellent; this has been the most effective training so far. Having the opportunity to visit classrooms has a real strength."

NPQH Candidate, February 2014

"Training in schools with professionals who are putting the latest theory into practice is invaluable. I’m able to simultaneously study the theory, put it into practice and commit to academic research that is crucial to my development as a teacher. I can teach from day one, which means I form a good relationship with my classes, and can really get to know the students and their personalities. The practical workshops, presented by experienced practising professionals, have been invaluable."

NPQSL Candidate

"Being part of a diverse and successful Federation has given me opportunities to gain insights into the wider world of education from reception to A-Level."

NPQSL Candidate

"I believe this has been a challenging and rewarding year. In school, ITT has allowed me to really assess the challenges that lie ahead and [has given me] the skills to succeed."

ITT Candidate

"Learning to teach is an extraordinary experience. Exciting, challenging, varied and, in itself, constant learning. School Direct with Harris encourages you to develop throughout the process with a variety of support."

School Direct Candidate

"My visit was invaluable. Not only did I observe several teachers’ lessons with different age groups, but I had an opportunity to discuss the challenges teachers faced within the curriculum when teaching low-attaining students."

NPQML Candidate

"School Direct training is the sharp end of teacher training – yet it’s an experience facilitated well by the trainers at HCACP and our university partner."

School Direct Candidate

"The range of NQT training I have attended also gave me lots of support and ideas I could take back to my Academy. In particular ‘WOW moments”. I feel this really made my year and the children’s year enjoyable and exciting.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my NQT year and am looking forward to beginning my first year as a teacher. I have found the training sessions to be invaluable and will continue to use the resources given to us, particularly some associated with ASD which did not benefit my class this year but which may enable the learning of my new class."

NQT Trainee

"BLITZ enabled us to meet other Middle Leaders across the federation and discuss our roles and responsibilities. We developed our understanding of how to write effective action plans, observe lessons and analyse data. It enabled us to share our experiences and as a result develop our areas of responsibilities. We were able to meet people with the same responsibilities as ourselves and share ideas and resources."